A head teacher at a north Edinburgh primary school has spoken of how every member of their community is dealing with fears and stress over the current cost of living crisis.
Susan Dunn, who became Ferryhill head back in August 2022, said that in her mind the cost of living crisis is far reaching and is causing worry in households across the capital. With this in mind, she says the focus should not necessarily be about labelling areas as deprived and to look at what universal solutions can be implemented to help families.
Worries over the rising cost of energy has had a knock on effect on a variety of things according to Susan. From households being able to afford food, clothing and experiences for their children.
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She says that Ferryhill, along with community partners in the form of the parent council, the local church and business, are working together to offer dignified solutions. One example of this is the school’s ‘Sharing Shelf’ - purposely not named a food bank - to break the stigma for those needing a helping hand.
She said: “For us it is not so much about this being an area of deprivation as it is about the issues of the cost of living crisis being far reaching across the city. That is why we want to implement universal support systems here at Ferryhill.
“Every family is struggling at the moment, and over winter things can become even worse with the rising cost of fuel. Our focus at the school is to be part of solutions for the community.
“This means connecting with our neighbourhood and working with partners to provide support in areas that families need. We have an open Sharing Shelf that is available five days a week, not only for members of our school community, but the Drylaw area as a whole.
“We have avoided using the term food bank as it can come with a stigma attached and we do not want people to be put off. The parent council started the exercise and after teaming up with local business and Drylaw Parish Church, the scheme has grown.
“Sometimes we have parents using the service but you also see people picking up good for neighbours who they know are struggling - the idea is for it to be universal. People should not be worrying about the cost of electricity and gas and deciding between heating their home or eating.”
Another service that the school has provided, that looks to foster a sense of community and break down stigmatising barriers, is offering a free slice of toast to staff and pupils every morning.
The scheme allows children to collect their toast and head back to the classroom and has been a success in creating a social atmosphere. This means that every child will have the option to eat before learning - ensuring they have the fuel they need.
It has been a roaring success with most students and staff members enjoying a slice before they start their day.
Susan added: “If there is ever anyone new to our school community we will provide them with uniforms to help them to settle in. There are also winter coats available for anyone who needs them, which is a huge help as the costs mount over winter.
“We are also looking at wider achievements for children outside of the traditional focus of literacy or numeracy. This means widening opportunities for kids, whether that is a trip to Edinburgh Castle, a walk up Arthur’s Seat or a visit to the beach.
“The cost of living crisis should not get in the way of children experiencing these opportunities and our local community has been amazing in helping to support this. As costs rise sometimes trips or activities have to be cut back on meaning kids miss out on experiences.
“For us it is about pre-empting problems that families could be facing. In my experience it is rare for people to openly admit the things that they are struggling with, and so it is important that we put things in place that are easily accessible and dignified.
“It is about taking the worry out of things and removing the stigma from the assistance that is available. It is such a challenging time and the big thing for me is not about the open poverty we see, as there is so much hidden poverty, it is not just about living in Drylaw but realising that everyone is struggling.”
Ferryhill have said that they are grateful for any support that their Sharing Shelf could receive and that they will gladly find space for any food or clothing donations.
To help in their attempts to poverty proof the school, please contact Ferryhill directly here or the parent council here.
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